AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI). The AWS CLI lets you issue commands at your
computer's command line to perform IAM and AWS tasks; this can be faster and more
convenient than using the console. The CLI is also useful if you want to build scripts that
perform IAM tasks. For information about setting up and using the AWS CLI, see the AWS Command Line Interface User Guide.

AWS SDKs. AWS provides SDKs that consist of libraries and sample code for various
programming languages and platforms (Java, Ruby, .NET, iOS, Android, etc.). The SDKs provide
a convenient way to create programmatic access to IAM and AWS. For example, the SDKs take
care of tasks such as cryptographically signing requests, managing errors, and retrying
requests automatically. For information about the AWS SDKs, including how to download and
install them, see the Tools for Amazon Web
Services page.

IAM Query API. Finally, you can access IAM and AWS programmatically using
the IAM Query API, which lets you issue HTTPS requests directly. (When you use the
Query API, you must include code to digitally sign requests using your credentials.) For
more information, see the IAM API Reference.

Using any of these access methods, you can manage IAM resources, such as the performing the
following tasks:

Create groups and assign permissions to groups

Add users

Create security credentials for your users

Assign passwords to your users

Note

In order to access IAM, whether through the console or programmatically, you need
security credentials. For information, see AWS Security Credentials in the
AWS General Reference.